2 Pitt softball seniors will return after pandemic interrupted spring season

Pitt softball seniors Walker Barbee and Connor McGaffic will take advantage of the extra year of eligibility granted to spring sports student-athletes by the NCAA, ACC and Pitt and return to school next season.

Spring sports ended prematurely this year in the midst of the covid-19 pandemic.

Barbee, a 2019 transfer from Elon, was Pitt’s starting catcher the past two seasons. She has a career .224 batting average, with 30 hits and 19 RBIs.

“It is an honor wearing Pitt across my chest while playing the game I love,” Barbee said in a statement. “Being a Panther has been life changing and I can’t say thank you enough to the university for this opportunity.”

McGaffic, who graduated with a natural sciences degree this spring, will return for her fifth year after starting in the outfield the past four at Pitt. She has appeared in 116 games, starting 88, with a career .226 average, 52 hits and 22 RBIs. She was hitting .300 with a .460 slugging percentage and eight-game hitting streak when the season ended after 20 games (8-12).

“I would like to say thank you to the University of Pittsburgh and the administrations for granting me this opportunity to return to the university, while being able to play the sport I love for one more year,” McGaffic said.

“Both athletes have been and now will continue to be vital parts of our program, and we are blessed to retain them,” coach Jodi Hermanek said.

“Connor is our starting right fielder and power bat in the heart of our lineup. Bringing her back is huge.

“Walker is our veteran catcher who I lean on big-time for her experience. Retaining all personnel in our battery is a crucial blessing to our squad.”

Athletic director Heather Lyke said earlier this spring that the financial impact of bringing back between 11 and 12 seniors will be minimal.